The Tropical Paradise of Roatan

Content Options

The beautiful outline of pristine reefs and sailing yachts is a welcoming sight flying into Roatan.The beautiful outline of pristine reefs and sailing yachts is a welcoming sight flying into Roatan.

Is it smiling at me or thinking of devouring me? I am not really sure.Is it smiling at me or thinking of devouring me? I am not really sure.

The quirky village of West End.The quirky village of West End.

A beach chair is waiting for you in Roatan. Just not the big one. That is for me.A beach chair is waiting for you in Roatan. Just not the big one. That is for me.

Your children will worship you for taking them. I am sorry they will worship the sun while in Roatan. But at least they will give you some peace and quiet.Your children will worship you for taking them. I am sorry they will worship the sun while in ...

This little volunteer served as our 6:30 AM alarm clock. The only problem was setting the snooze feature required throwing a shoe at him. This little volunteer served as our 6:30 AM alarm clock. The only problem was setting the snooze ...

Swim with the natives. Bob's on top. Earl's just below him.Swim with the natives. Bob's on top. Earl's just below him. Credits: Courtesy of the Roatan Marine Park

Hmmm? I think that is a fish.Hmmm? I think that is a fish.

Everything stops at sunset.Everything stops at sunset.

Sail by a sunset.Sail by a sunset.

Sunsets are special here.Sunsets are special here.

The sun greets you (literally) at Infinity BayThe sun greets you (literally) at Infinity Bay

By TAPINTO TRAVELS MONDE STAFF

April 12, 2017 at 1:51 AM

You can credit -- or blame -- the storm-wary cruise ship captain some 20 years ago for Roatan's boom.

The story goes that the port of call wasn't even on his cruise line's itinerary but when passengers were surveyed after the voyage ended, they kept highlighting the emergency stop on that sleepy Caribbean island just off the coast of Honduras. From that inadvertent discovery Roatan has gone from hidden dive Mecca to travel hotspot.

Today, up to four mammoth cruise ships will steam in on a typical winter's day and international airlines continue to add flights -- including Cayman Airways in January -- to the island's quickly expanding airport.

And while recent numbers are not available, it's estimated at least 1.3 million visitors breached the island's palm-fringed shores or swam its azure waters last year, compared to 100,000 in 2000 and just 900 in 1970.

In truth, this explosion was probably inevitable. From its pristine rainforest -- half of it remains untouched -- to spectacular reefs and sun-soaked beaches, Roatan was an accident waiting to happen. And while long-time residents bemoan the loss of privacy, they can't dispute the prosperity: Tourism -- nearly all of that coming from Roatan -- represents 7% of Honduras' GDP, money which is being reinvested in badly needed infrastructure.

History is filled with cautionary tales about tourist fads which is why the island adheres to a master plan that stresses sustainability and authenticity.

Whereas coral reefs around the world are dying, Roatan's are surviving -- if not thriving -- thanks largely to industrial infancy, environmental education and efforts of the Roatan Marine Park, a grassroots effort charged with protecting its most precious commodity.

Whereas drug violence haunts mainland Honduras, crime bosses have apparently been warned that Roatan is out of bounds.

Whereas the boom has strained its existing resources, laid-back Central American character remains, from earnest friendliness to Latin culture.

The event was well attended and Congresswoman Elect, Mikie Sherrill was among those who spoke. Sherrill will take Long time Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen's seat in Congress. Frelinghuysen pledged to "continue to fight to provide full ...

EAST HANOVER, N.J - Character can be defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.At the end of every marking period, Hanover Park High School names two students who have shown character and compassion throughout a marking period and recognizes them for their accomplishments and dedication to excellence. This first marking period, two extraordinary students have been ...

EAST HANOVER, N.J - Character can be defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an ...

EAST HANOVER, N.J.- The start of 2018-2019 winter sports programs at Hanover Park High School is here. Both the boy and girls basketball teams will be in a new conferences, Wrestling has a very demanding conference and non-conference schedule and boys Winter Track will be in action with events at Drew University in December. ...

EAST HANOVER, N.J.- The start of 2018-2019 winter sports programs at Hanover Park High School is ...

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - A Dunellen man employed as a school custodian was arrested today on charges of inappropriately touching a six-year-old girl, authorities said.

Arnoldo Veliz-Chamale, 61, of Dunellen, was charged today with one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and two counts of second-degree sexual assault in the second degree, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew ...

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - A Dunellen man employed as a school custodian was arrested today on charges of ...

EAST HANOVER and HANOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J.- The Hanover Park High School Regional District participated in a three-day program, hosted by the East Hanover and Hanover Township Police Departments, and held at Whippany Park last week and Hanover Park this week.

The officers educated the student on the dangers of opiates. The students heard stories from addicts and users who are struggling with ...

EAST HANOVER and HANOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J.- The Hanover Park High School Regional District ...

EAST HANOVER, N.J.- Often the season of giving is flooded with shopping, preparing, shipping and stressing. It becomes easy to forget that there are many in need, especially uring the holidays. For two local college students who have lived in East Hanover their whole lives, Christmas morning was always an exciting one filled with presents and most of their Christmas list checked off. However, ...

EAST HANOVER, N.J.- Often the season of giving is flooded with shopping, preparing, shipping and ...

EAST HANOVER, N.J.- The East Hanover PBA are collecting toys for their Annual Holiday Toy Drive. To support their efforts, donations of new, unwrapped toys and games can be dropped off at the Police Department, 2 Deforest Avenue. Donations will be collected until Sunday, December 16. All donations will be delivered to the Goryeb Children's Hospital.

EAST HANOVER, N.J.- The East Hanover PBA are collecting toys for their Annual Holiday Toy Drive. To ...

MORRISTOWN, NJ - Morris County residents, 65 years of age or older or between the ages of 18-64 and receiving Social Security disability benefits are now able to apply for important benefits from NJSAVE with one application. Prior to this new, on-stop application, individuals had to fill out a paper eligibility application for each program.

The goal of the new online application system, said ...

MORRISTOWN, NJ - Morris County residents, 65 years of age or older or between the ages of 18-64 and ...